A MOTORCYCLIST died in a horror crash on a notorious bend above Holmfirth.

The 27-year-old, from Slaithwaite, crashed on a double bend on Greenfield Road at 1.45pm yesterday.

He is thought to have been in collision with a Vauxhall Astra estate car stopped at the entrance to a track and a wall.

He was flung from his blue and white 600cc Suzuki, which burst into flames and was destroyed by the inferno.

He suffered serious head and chest injuries. He was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, but was dead on arrival.

The man, who has not yet been named, was riding with a friend, who was on a yellow and black 600cc Suzuki.

He was so badly traumatised that police had to arrange to have his bike recovered from the scene.

Pc Phil Shaw, of Huddersfield traffic police, said: "The bikes were travelling down Greenfield Road towards Holmfirth when the tragedy happened.

"We need to speak to anyone who saw the motorbikes before the crash, or the accident itself.

"There have been other accidents on this bend and part of the wall had already been demolished and replaced with a temporary barrier.

"A car ended up on its roof after a crash there a few weeks ago," added Pc Shaw.

The tragedy comes just five weeks after 31-year-old Marcus Morton, of Longwood, was killed when his motorbike was involved in a crash with a tractor in New Hey Road, Outlane.

Pc Shaw - who has dealt with the deaths of four bikers over the last five years and countless serious accidents - revealed he sold his own motorbike after going to the Outlane accident.

He said: "I had saved up for years to buy a Honda Pan European touring bike and only had it for 19 months.

"But I sold it immediately after the death at Outlane.

"There are just too many accidents - and as police we see the misery for those left behind."

Yesterday's tragedy happened just below the Ford pub.

Pc Shaw added: "A lot of very public-spirited people stopped to help and I'd like to thank them for their actions."

The road was sealed off until after 5pm, while police accident investigators worked at the scene.

Anyone with information should phone Pc Shaw on 01484 436847.

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